Injuries hold Nyumasi back

Orapa United attacking midfielder Tendai Nyumasi’s nagging thigh injury to have negative effects on his football career. This past weekend when Orapa humiliated Gaborone United (GU) 4-1in a Mascom Top 8 second leg semi-final clash, Nyumasi could not continue with the game because of his painful injury. Nyumasi found himself substituted by Ronald Chikomo 10 minutes into the second half of the game. However, the 32-year-old Zimbabwean player could not take it anymore as his emotions got the best of him when he walked out of the pitch.

So painful was the substitution that the passionate player could not help but shed a tear. Compounding to his painful replacement was that the player had just earned his side (Orapa United) the much- needed equalizing goal in the dying minutes of the first half. From a distance, it seemed the goal had helped him regain his confidence, only for his hopes to be dashed by the nagging injury. He failed to contain himself and wept bitterly in his Coach Daniel ‘Chico Dance’ Nare arms. Both his legs were in severe pain and he was forced to call it a day.

Nyumasi returned to the playing field a fortnight ago, he has been on a long rest since the beginning of the 2017/2018 season. The weekend match was his second assignment in the Mascom Top 8 Cup. During the first leg of their encounter with GU at Itekeng Stadium a week ago, Nyumasi was pulled out during the 60th minute. “I am hurt, I wanted to play the full 90 minutes but my legs could not allow me and the coach decided to pull me out,” said the shattered Nyumasi in an interview with Sun Sports after the game. Nyumasi explained that his legs are failing him and he has to be cautious to prevent further complications. He said doctors told him that his muscles were almost torn however they have assured him that he will recover with time.

Orapa’s game against GU had sparks flying all over, Orapa was having a field day embarrassing the Gaborone based outfit, a mouthwatering game it was in Nyumasi’s opinion. He said his heart was bleeding when he was forced to watch from the bench, he too wanted a piece of the cake. Meanwhile, Orapa United mouthpiece Kabo William has assured that Nyumasi is fine and all is well. "He got emotional because he wanted to score more goals on the day, he was thirsty for a win that day,” he said. William said should there be any changes they will give him (Nyumasi) enough rest however they were instructed by medical practitioners that he should be given game time for him to keep fit. He is expected to be on the line up during the Mascom TOP 8 final against Township Rollers later this month.